News Summary

Tiffany Slaton, a 28-year-old woman missing for three weeks in California’s Sierra Nevada, was found alive in an unlocked cabin. Authorities conducted a massive search effort, covering over 600 square miles. Despite severe weather and an avalanche, Slaton survived, showcasing remarkable resilience and survival skills. Her eventual rescue brought immense relief to her family, who are grateful for her safety and look forward to her recovery and tales of survival.

California Hiker Tiffany Slaton Found Alive After Three Weeks in High Sierra

Tiffany Slaton, a 28-year-old woman who went missing for three weeks in California’s eastern Sierra Nevada, has been found alive. She was located in an unlocked cabin at the Vermilion Valley Resort on May 16, 2025. The owner of the resort, Christopher Gutierrez, had left the cabin open for lost hikers during recent winter storms.

Authorities report that Slaton had only been inside the cabin for about eight hours when she was discovered. Her disappearance had sparked a massive search effort involving the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, which covered over 600 square miles of the Sierra National Forest before scaling back the operation.

Last Known Movements and Search Efforts

Slaton was last seen on April 20 while riding a bicycle near Huntington Lake. Her parents, Bobby and Fredrina Slaton, reported her missing on April 29, after they had not heard from her for a week. The search began immediately, deploying ground and air teams to locate her in rugged terrain, but the harsh winter conditions complicated the hunt.

Survival Story

During her ordeal, Slaton faced severe winter weather, including heavy snowfall that reached up to 12 feet in the area. She survived a harrowing experience, becoming caught in an avalanche that injured her leg. Despite the conditions and losing all her camping gear with the exception of a lighter, a knife, and some snacks, she managed to stay alive.

Throughout her time stranded in the wilderness, Slaton made multiple attempts to call 911 but was unsuccessful. Despite these attempts, she was able to receive a GPS signal on her phone, which ultimately assisted in her rescue. To maintain her sanity amid the ordeal, Slaton documented her experiences in a journal, describing her journey as “very long” and “arduous.”

Rescue and Condition

When found, Slaton was dehydrated but in good condition, prompting a visit to a hospital for evaluation. Authorities deemed her survival remarkable, especially given the severe weather conditions she faced. Her background as a competitive archer reportedly contributed to her survival instincts, allowing her to utilize foraging and survival skills, including drinking melted snow for hydration.

Reaction to the News

The successful rescue brought immense relief to Slaton’s family, particularly her mother, who expressed joy and gratitude upon learning about her daughter’s safety. The rescue was described as one of the best days of their lives.

Plans for the Future

After her traumatic experience, Slaton is planning to return to Georgia with her parents. She will undoubtedly have a compelling story to share and lessons learned from her time in the wilderness, as she reflects on her survival against formidable odds.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• Los Angeles Times
• CNN
• NBC Bay Area
• Fresno Bee
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Hiking